About the Role:
STR is seeking a highly motivated Senior Manager of Supply Chain to join our growing Contracts & Supply Chain team. This role will lead strategic sourcing across defense and government programs, serve as a subject matter expert on complex DoD and Intelligence Community (IC) supply chain matters, and drive process excellence and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate brings deep supply chain and strategic sourcing experience in the national security space and is passionate about building high‑performing teams and delivering measurable results in cost, schedule, and performance.
Responsibilities
- Develop, lead and manage strategic sourcing program for STR including develop and own category strategies for assigned spend areas (e.g., IT, direct materials, indirect spend), aligned with business and financial objectives.
- Analyze spend, demand, and market trends to identify savings opportunities, consolidation, and risk mitigation.
- Build multi‑year sourcing roadmaps and prioritize initiatives based on impact and feasibility.
- Develop and lead Supplier Management & Relationship program for the company including effective external relationships with vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers to support program objectives and strengthen STR’s business partnerships.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers; act as primary point of contact for strategic vendors in assigned categories.
- Implement supplier performance management, including scorecards, QBRs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Identify and manage supplier risks (financial, operational, geopolitical, compliance) and develop mitigation plans.
- Lead end‑to‑end sourcing events including requirements gathering, supplier identification, bid evaluation, and award recommendations.
- Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, service levels, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to achieve best total value, not just lowest cost.
- Partner with leadership and internal stakeholders to structure and finalize supplier agreements
- Work closely with business, technical, and functional stakeholders to anticipate business needs including supplier strategy to support business growth objectives and strong program performance.
- Utilize purchasing and ERP systems
- Experience using AI‑enabled tools and a strong willingness to learn and apply AI to drive efficiency and improve quality and effectiveness in Contracts and Supply Chain processes.
- Drive adoption of sourcing best practices, standard methodologies, and procurement policies to scale and optimize supply chain activities and practices.
- Ensure compliance with internal controls, regulatory requirements, and ethical sourcing standards.
- Recommend and help implement process improvements
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree and 7+ years of Federal government contracting experience with DoD and IC contracts, including 3+ years in a supervisory or team lead role (or Master's degree and 5+ years of experience)
- This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Government Security Clearance, for which US Citizenship is required by the US Government.
- Demonstrated experience in leading supply chain teams, supplier negotiations and supplier management and relationships
- Experience with FAR, DFARS, and agency‑specific regulations, with the ability to interpret and apply federal acquisition policies in context
- Ability to operate both strategically and transactionally
- Willingness to expand expertise into Contracts
- Cross-functional experience with Program Management, Finance, Engineering, and Operations; ability to assess/communicate supplier risk and translate complex terms for business stakeholders
- Strong negotiation skills with a track record of achieving balanced outcomes
- Proven people manager with experience hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teams
- Proactive problem-solver who manages competing priorities effectively; track record of leadership and process improvement
- Proficiency with MS Office and contract management systems
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $168,000 - $210,000
The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.
STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.
STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [email protected] and provide your contact info.
Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree and 7+ years of Federal government contracting experience with DoD and Intelligence Community contracts, including 3+ years in a supervisory or team lead role; alternatively, a master's degree and 5+ years of experience
- Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance
- U.S. citizenship
- Experience leading supply chain teams
- Experience with supplier negotiations and supplier management and relationships
- Experience with FAR, DFARS, and agency-specific regulations, including interpreting and applying federal acquisition policies
- Ability to operate strategically and transactionally
- Willingness to expand expertise into contracts
- Cross-functional experience with Program Management, Finance, Engineering, and Operations
- Ability to assess and communicate supplier risk and translate complex terms for business stakeholders
- Strong negotiation skills with a track record of achieving balanced outcomes
- People management experience, including hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teams
- Track record of leadership and process improvement
- Proficiency with MS Office and contract management systems
- Experience using purchasing and ERP systems
- Experience using AI-enabled tools or willingness to learn and apply AI in contracts and supply chain processes
What the Team is Saying
STR Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as “great” for employees and families, with available descriptions also pointing to mental‑health and other inclusive coverage options. Feedback suggests the medical, dental, and vision offerings feel comprehensive rather than bare‑bones.
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Retirement Support — A “generous 401(k) match” is highlighted, and some materials note profit sharing as part of retirement support. Feedback suggests retirement programs are a core strength of the package.
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Parental & Family Support — Generous parental leave, family medical leave, and onsite Mother’s Rooms are cited alongside fertility benefits and family‑oriented events. Feedback suggests family supports extend meaningfully beyond standard provisions.
STR Insights
What We Do
STR makes the world a safer place by developing technology and applying it to solve emerging national security challenges.
Why Work With Us
We believe in a people-first culture. Yes, we are scientists, engineers, and researchers, but first, we are people. Our environment is designed to foster innovation by encouraging our employees to work collaboratively on things they are passionate about. We also really like to have fun. We believe that working hard and playing hard go hand in hand.
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STR Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
